Canyon Water

[PaulaCT]

Today I attended a workshop with Dee_Artist (Deborah Christensen) on painting water and reflections.

Dee painted a GORGEOUS demo of emerald water swirling around river rocks. I was hoping she would upload it 'cuz I know you'd enjoy it, but one of the participants bought it!

Below is the reference photo I worked from (one of Dee's), and the painting that resulted. Actual size is 9" x 6" on Wallis paper.

It's a bit of a mess. I had trouble coping with the detail in the rock and the reflections, deciding what to leave and what to edit. Dee was very insightful in helping me to "see." It needs much improvement, but I finally had to stop.

If you ever have a chance to take a workshop (or classes) with Dee, by all means, do yourself a favor and sign up.

PaulaCT

[K Taylor-Green]

Wow! The colors really sing in this. I think you did a great job.

[Dyin]

oooh, really, that color just grabs me! Nice job!

[gr8pets]

What yummy colors! See, that ref pic would never catch my eye because it looks...Cold. But you managed to breathe live and vibrancy into it, like a piece of fine jewelry. It really pops!

Christi

[Deborah Secor]

Boy, Paula, you work fast! You must have shot these the minute you got home... I think you did a great job on this one, as I told you before. I'm glad we got to work together again.

I was thinking about it as I left, and realized that even though you're moving we'll 'see' each other here as usual... Isn't the Internet great that way?

Thanks for the recommendation, too--you're making me look good! The lion's share of credit for success always goes to the student. You're the one who was holding that pastel stick!

Deborah

[Khadres]

Boy, are you lucky! Bet that class was wonderful!

I think you did good on this, too! Lots of color and the reflections rock! And where are you moving to???

[PaulaCT]

Thank you for the kind words, everyone. I think I'd like to try this one again in another year to see if I can get the rocks and reflections right.

Khadres, I'm moving to Washington, D.C. at the end of May. A long way from home.

[Dark_Shades]

you did a wonderful job Paula..... well done .....I really like the colours you chose .... I think this will have done alot for your confidence too ....
....... Dee is obviously a very good teacher too boot ...... lucky you for being able to attend her class

[Mary Robinson]

I think you did a fantastic job, the colors are amazing.


Mary

[Maryeve]

Paula, you are so good at this, makes me embarrassed to stick my fervish attempts up....hmmmmm, (thinking to myself...stick with what you know..people) This is beautiful.

[bnoonan]

Paula this is very very nice. I especially like how you weaved all the colors into the water and reflections. It's just well done.

Glad to hear you had a great class with Dee. I'm hoping to do the same myself!!!

Barb

[Alachua Artist]

Originally Posted by PaulaCT

...I'm moving to Washington, D.C. at the end of May. A long way from home...

Hey... don't be sad... you'll be right near me!

[Alachua Artist]

Originally Posted by PaulaCT

It's a bit of a mess. I had trouble coping with the detail in the rock and the reflections, deciding what to leave and what to edit.

What you have here is very good so far. Beef up the dark details, like the cracks and fissures between the rocks, add a little more sparkle to the water, and you'll have it. The colors you are working with give a nice feel to the painting. This is really very well done.... not a mess at all.

[SweetBabyJ]

Well done! And a workshop with Dee to boot- lucky you!

I think it's a great piece- sometimes, you have to put the photo away, get out your artistic license, check that it's current, and drive on your ownself- and it seems you did a great job doing just that.

[Paula Ford]

Hi Paula,

You are so lucky to have taken a class with Deborah!!

Your painting is just wonderful...the colors are beautiful!!

Great job!!

Paula